On this day: Redknapp calls for Barton ban

On this day in 2007, Harry Redknapp reckoned Joey Barton should face a three-match ban for deliberately stamping on Pedro Mendes.

Pompey’s boss felt the Manchester City midfielder cynically took Pedro Mendes out of the game three days earlier at Fratton Park – a match the Blues won 2-1 – and ought to have been punished with a straight red card.

Mendes believed the tackle was deliberate – but revealed he had received an apology from Barton.

Redknapp claimed Mendes had been victimised after finishing both games against City that season on a stretcher.

The Londoner was sickened by Mendes’ treatment at the hands of Ben Thatcher earlier that season at Eastlands and now Barton.

Redknapp’s views were hardened after spending time watching replays of Barton rake his studs down Mendes’ Achilles.

He was furious Barton escaped with just a yellow card for a challenge that ended Mendes’ match and left him on crutches.

Speaking to The News at the time, Redknapp said: ‘Pedro was running the game before he got hurt.

'I thought it was a bad challenge.

'The ball had already long gone when Pedro was fouled.

‘Barton meant to do it. Anyone who starts saying it was an accident needs their heads looking at.